Invasive Species - Aransas National Wildlife Refuge – AmeriCorps Eligible
Summary: American Conservation Experience, a Nonprofit Conservation Corps, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is seeking TWO Invasive Species Individual Placements to assist the USFWS with invasive plant management duties. The position will be stationed at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in natural resources and/or wildlife management on our public lands.
Start Date: May 18th, 2020
End Date: November 16th, 2020
**26 week commitment required**
Location: Stationed at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, on the Gulf Coast of Texas
Project Websites: For more information about Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and their resources visit:
To learn more about the ACE EPIC Program, please visit: www.usaconservation.org
Compensation: The ACE Member will complete 40 hours/week and receive a living allowance of $350/week paid out biweekly for food and incidentals. On site housing is provided at no cost to the member.
AmeriCorps: This position may be eligible for a 900 hour AmeriCorps Education Award ($3,047.50) upon successful completion of internship service hours and compliance with AmeriCorps rules. Additional enrollment is required.
Position Description: The member will perform a variety of duties, including but not limited to:
• Invasive Plant Management: Via herbicide treatment and chainsaws. Species include: Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera), saltcedar (Tamarix spp.), common reed (Phragmites australis), cattail (Typha spp.), live oak
(Quercus virginiana), and honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa)
• Operate herbicide application related equipment including backpack sprayers, handheld sprayers, UTV mounted sprayers, and chainsaws
• Invasive Plant Surveying: Surveying areas for non-native and invasive plant species
• Operate hand-held smart devices using ArcCollector for monitoring purposes
• Drive 4WD government trucks and UTVs
• Educate public on invasive and native plant and animal species; excellent opportunities exist to engage and inform local community on resource management issues at the Refuge
Equipment Use and Training: The Refuge will provide a government vehicle and the tools required to accomplish the tasks the member is asked to accomplish. Training will be provided for all equipment that the member is asked to use. Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) will be mandatory for any activity that requires it. A valid state driver's license is required for any (highway legal) vehicle use.
Work Environment: The heat and humidity around the Gulf Coast of Texas can be intense. If you have had heat stroke, please do not apply for this position for health reasons.
Qualifications: Applicants must have a degree or be pursuing a degree in ecology, wildlife management, natural resource management, parks and recreation, rangeland management, other related disciplines appropriate to the position. Illustrating a relevant combination of experience and education is also acceptable. Resume and Cover Letter must contain enough information to show that the applicant meets the experience needed, as defined in this announcement.
Required:
• US Citizen or Permanent Citizen
• Member must be between the age of 18 and 35
• High level of physical fitness. Ability to hike in hot conditions on rough, uneven terrain. No history of heat stroke
• A valid driver's license, must be 21 years old to drive a vehicle (ACE auto insurance policy requires members be at least 21), have a clean driving record, and ability to provide documentation; a personal vehicle is recommended for personal time off and getting to-and-from their station.
• Must take all measures possible to ensure the safety of yourself and others and understand all safety precautions involved
• Effective oral and written communication skills with all ages and diverse audiences
• Ability to speak to the public
• Able and willing to work alone and in a group
• Able and willing to perform duties outdoors in varying weather conditions, especially hot, humid outdoor conditions
• Ability to hike several miles at a time
• Capable of participating in sustained physical labor including ability to frequently push, pull, and lift 40 lbs
• Ability to operate independently and in remote areas
• Competent in Microsoft Office
• Ability and willingness to undergo a Federal criminal background check
• Ability to pass Wildland Chainsaw S-212 course (training provided on site)
• Ability to pass USFWS ATV/UTV
Preferred:
• Ability to follow assigned protocols to perform tasks with many steps
• Skills and ability to resolve a full range of problems or situations when performing a variety of tasks in the field or office setting
• Skill in maintaining and safely operating motorized vehicles and specialized equipment including: highway vehicles, backpack sprayers, weed eaters, etc
• Knowledge of local plant communities including native and invasive species
• Ability and willingness to get a Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide applicator license with 3A (landscape maintenance), 5 (vegetation management), and 6 (aquatic) endorsements
• Experience and/or knowledge with GPS equipment
• Strong desire to enter the public service field as a natural resource professional
• Experience and/or knowledge in the mission of the USFWS and other federal land management agencies
• Ability to embrace travel opportunities as they arise to other nearby Refuges
The member must be willing to represent ACE and the USFWS in a professional, positive and enthusiastic manner. Drug users should not consider applying, as ACE and the USFWS reserves the right to require drug testing.
PLC Competitive Hiring Authority: These positions are authorized by the Public Land Corps (PLC) Act of 1993 and expanded by the Public Lands Service Corps Act of 2013. Interns who meet basic requirements during their term of service may be eligible to receive their Noncompetitive Hiring Eligibility Certificate to be used when applying to future federal jobs. Requirements are: (1) Intern must be between the ages of 18 to 30 and (2) Intern must complete at least 640 hours on a federally approved PLC Project. More information can be provided upon request.
ACE Emerging Professionals must be willing to represent ACE and the partner organization in a professional, positive, and enthusiastic manner.
Please note: Marijuana and other controlled substances are not allowed at any time during the performance of duties or while on federal property, regardless of State law or qualified medical marijuana card status.
To Apply: Please submit your resume, thoughtful cover letter, and contact for three professional/academic references to the online application page for this position here: https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/
NOTE: Early consideration will be given as resumes are received. This position may close at any time. If you have any questions regarding this position please feel free to contact ACE EPIC USFWS Division Support Specialist, Dave Hecker, 801.386.1629, or dhecker@usaconservation.org.
EOE: American Conservation Experience provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, American Conservation Experience complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities.